11 May 2011 Preview: South Durham - Mordon
by Charlotte Brader
The South Durham Hunt Point-to-Point takes place on Saturday 14th May at Howe Hills, Mordon. The seven race card has attracted 86 entries, and racing gets underway at 2.00pm with the Hunt race.
The Dawson family have entered the majority of their horses, however with all three Dawson siblings out of the saddle with injuries they may struggle for jockeys. The likely winner is Jumeirah Jane who put in a very impressive effort to win her Maiden race at Easingwold and was a close second at the same course on Saturday.
The Confined race is run over the extended distance of 3m5f and Mr Gossip, who has been second in two extended distance races so far this season, can gain compensation on Saturday.
Knoxhill Archie improved on his previous performance at Easingwold on Saturday to come second in the Confined race. He may be able to go one better again, although L'Oudon is already a course and distance winner. Guy Brewer, who is currently leading the Yorkshire male riders' title race, could put the final nail in the coffin for his closest rivals with one of the pair. Surprisingly, this would be the first time that Guy has won this title.
The course at Howe Hills is always well prepared and maintained by owner John Wade, who is a well known figure in racing and Point-to-Pointing circles. Most of the course can be seen from the Grandstand, however in all races apart from the 3m5f Club race and the 2m4f Maiden race, the start is obscured from view. Approximately the last two furlongs of the home straight are down hill to the winning line and every now and then a train runs parallel with the course. The going is currently good to firm and being watered to maintain. Admission is FREE and the postcode for satellite navigation is TS21 2HG.
